Update: I was unfortunately not aware of Shamus Young's severe criticism of Fallout 3 available here to link in the original piece and I regret that. It dovetails rather nicely with what I've written and it's much better executed than my piece. I strongly recommend anyone...

The Sims 2: Bon Voyage Screenshots

Fans of the Popular Video Game Series Escape to Exciting Destinations with their Sims

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — July 26, 2007 — Electronic Arts Inc., (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that fans of the popular video game franchise, The Sims™ 2, can whisk their Sims away on exciting trips to discover exotic locations, including the Far East, Rustic Mountaintops – even a Tropical Island! The Sims 2 Bon Voyage will allow fans to travel with their Sims on a variety of magnificent vacations featuring a myriad of all-new activities when the expansion pack launches this fall.

Whether your Sims are relaxing on a lush tropical island in a luxury suite, camping with the family on a pristine mountaintop, or exploring the culture of the Far East, they’ll enjoy new activities to relax and rejuvenate. From building sand castles and catching rays to meditating in the Zen garden after a visit to the pool, players can quickly transform their Sims from bumbling tourists to savvy international travelers. Sims will also learn new customs including local greetings and traditional dances to take home and teach to their friends. With The Sims 2 Bon Voyage, players can send their Sims packing for the trip of a lifetime!

As your Sims travel, they’ll interact and learn from a variety of real and mythical locals including the wise old hermit, fire dancers -- even Big Foot! Like all true vacationers, your Sims will be able to decorate their homes with unique souvenirs from their trips that are available only at destinations within The Sims 2 Bon Voyage. They can even buy unique jewelry to wear or take home as gifts! Fall in love with the hula dance lei from your Sims tropical beach vacation? Bring it back and flaunt to the neighbors! Love the moves your Sim mastered doing the Slap Dance at the rustic lodge? Teach fellow Sims the tricks of the trade back at home. What your Sims learn and collect, is up to you!

“The Sims 2 Bon Voyage brings so many new experiences and locations to the game, there’s almost no end to the surprises that fans and their Sims are going to discover as they travel to each of the three exotic travel destinations. It’s a perfect break from the everyday home routine!” said Vice President and Studio Head of The Sims Division, Rod Humble. “Every member of the family should be able to find activities that suit them—Mom can get a massage at the spa, Dad can practice Tai Chi in the Zen Garden, kids can explore the ruins of our largest object yet - the Pirate Ship! With The Sims 2 Bon Voyage, you can take your Sims – even your family – on the trip of a lifetime!”

The Sims 2 Bon Voyage will ship in Europe and across the US in early September as a PC expansion pack* that builds on the original The Sims 2 PC game experience.

KEY FEATURES

• Travel to Three Exotic Destinations: Each location offers unique landscapes and local residents, such as the Fire Dancer and Ninja, for your Sims to meet and learn from. Try local cuisine and admire cultural landmarks as your Sims explore these new locales.• Send Your Sims on Tours: Glass bottom boat rides, adventurous van tours, and other excursions are fun new activities for your Sims, but there may be some surprises in store!• Buy or Find Unique Items: Shop for rare items found only on your Sims’ travels, including unique jewelry they can wear or take home as gifts. Stumble upon hidden locations, collect shells on the beach, or dig up treasure.• Stay at New Travel Accommodations: Splurge on a luxury suite for your Sims or choose a cozy cabin. Your Sims will enjoy the comfort of room service, get pampered at the spa, and more.